Ninja Master Prep

Ninja Master Prep

Bonnie: “Rule the kitchen with this new Ninja Master Prep,” boasts the makers of this new kitchen appliance.

They claim that this under-$50 Ninja could dice more evenly than my expensive food processor and chop ice better than blenders.

“Skeptical,” is an understatement.

So, when asked, I agreed to test this as a possible FeaturedBite on Bite of the Best.
The Ninja came with a “Master Pod” containing the motor, which fits atop the two containers to power the machine. One use is on the “Mini Master Prep” a 2-cup quasi-food processor for chopping; the other is on the “Master Prep Pitcher,” a 48-ounce blender for making frozen drinks and smoothies.

The removable blades (notice the plural!) sit inside the containers, each of which has a pour spout and comes with a blue (my favorite color) storage lid.

But, does the Ninja work?

I first tested it on an onion. I followed the instructions’ suggestion to pulse the motor until the onion was the consistency I wanted. When done, I removed the top expecting to see different size pieces. Wrong. I found no chunks, just evenly chopped onion pieces. Same results with a ripe tomato.
Next test was the blender. The Ninja folks boast that this “blasts ice into…fluffy snow to make restaurant-style drinks in just seconds.” It does just that. Think frozen margaritas or daiquiris, yogurt smoothies or any slushie drinks.

Before making drinks, I suggest making ice cubes from whatever liquid ingredients you’re planning to use so you don’t dilute your drinks.

They suggest you serve, seal and store in the same container. That’s where I no longer follow their suggestions. I prefer to serve in nonplastic containers.

I like this product so much that one of my talent agency clients is now representing the Ninja.

Bryan: Ok, so I’m not going to lie. I definitely felt a little twinge of “infomercial” when first seeing my Ninja Master Prep. I mean, it slices, it dices… Don’t look at it the wrong way or it’ll kick your a$$! I heard the voice of kitchen gadget guru, Ron Popeil echoing in my head: “It’ll solve all your kitchen needs,” he whispered. “But I’ve heard that all before,” I answered.

Could it be true this time?

I have to say that part of my review of this product is unfortunately going to involve bashing another, similar product. While I don’t like pointing fingers, I had been promised this same litany of abilities from another company once, though my immersion blender/chopper from the Bistro collection truly failed to deliver on any of its boasts. My milkshake maker was a bust and impossibly hard to use, while the mini food processor accessory couldn’t even make its way through an already pre-chopped onion. I was promised everything and I got nothing. It was simply useless. (Sorry Wolfgang, you still make great pizza. We’re cool, I promise!)

When the Ninja arrived, I readied myself for disappointment again, but this time found none. The Ninja not only delivered on its promises, it exceeded every one of my expectations! This is two kitchen devices in one, and each of them actually works! Taking into account all the additional accessories, the Ninja is phenomenally useful.

The Ninja is quite a powerful and unique blender and food processor. I realized why this kitchen gadget got its name as soon as I started using it. While most other blenders and choppers have a single, bottom-dwelling blade, the Ninja has dual blades. This unique, if not revolutionary, adaptation allows the gadget to transform ice cubes into perfect, creamy frozen drinks in just seconds. Many blenders will leave chunks or transform cubed ice into a watery mess. There is something special though about the dual blades, creating the perfect consistency for shakes, smoothies and frozen cocktails.

The mini food processor is equally as powerful (both blades use the same interchangeable, top-driven motor). The chopper perfectly produces diced or minced vegetables; onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, and the like all passed with flying colors! The Ninja is also perfect for any of your salsa or dips. The pulse control makes it easy to avoid turning your entire creation into mush.

The “Master Pod” easily switches from the Mini Prep to the Prep Pitcher. I was worried, as I’ve sometimes seen TV personalities make this type of switch with ease, only to be confounded by my own, at-home try. I like things that are idiot-proof and the Ninja passed its tests with flying colors. The pod only fits on in one way, and the blades can only connect in one way. Utility is further compounded, as the set includes two storage lids, allowing your Ninja creations to last in the fridge without the need of an additional storage container.

The blender pitcher is generously sized, ideally designed for parties with a large 48-oz pitcher. It’s perfect for making several drinks at a time, and features an easy flip pour spout and no-slip bottom. The Ninja pieces are also dishwasher and microwave safe. It’s not going to make your dinner for you, but the Ninja will certainly multitask at your behest.

Eric: To explain this in modern written language, OMG this product is not a WTF. The Ninja, or as I like to refer to it, “the little infomercial product that could,” is an appliance designed for the modern kitchen as well as for the fast-paced lifestyle many of us live. Similar to its infomercial nemesis, “The Bullet,” the Ninja is designed for two specific reasons – crafting great ice-based drinks and prepping the otherwise tedious mise en place.

It’s hard to find flaws in a product with a simple, user-friendly design that not only works well, but helps to bring new life to a sometimes-dull kitchen. In my kitchen the Ninja has been a nonstop drink-testing machine – first with the mojito (fresh mint from the garden) and second with a daiquiri – that has helped to bring a few hours of creativity (and intoxication).Available at the Bite of the Best shop.

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Blogger Bonnie Tandy Leblang has been covering food since before it was hip to do so! She’s penned magazine, newspaper and syndicated food columns in addition to cookbooks.
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and at @BonnieBOTB
"I eat for a living!” is her mantra, sharing what she’s sampled so you’ll know where (or where not) to go, plus what food products and gadgets to try.
For her full bio go to the about us page.

931 Comments

Hello makers of the ninja blender:
you cannot know how much your blender means to me.seven years ago I was diagnosed with throat and tongue cancer. surgery was required and radiation. after that reconstructive surgery.this left me unable to eat and difficult talking.my life depends on everything done in the blender. i have been going through blenders like crazy. the department stores started to know me on a first name basis. bad….then my daughter order a ninja blender for mother’s day. and me and my blender are living happily ever after.

i just want the makers know how much i am appreciated for your product and much i love it. keep up the great products.

sincerely,
sharon

connie reams
July 17, 2011 at 6:48 pm

i bought the ninja 1200 a couple of months ago and have not used it yet today i got ready to make a smoothie and the power light flashes and nothing else i have a manual ,and am trying to find it, in the mean time my ice and ice creame has melted can ya help?

Andrew Ryan
August 3, 2011 at 2:57 pm

I love this blender, but the motor in it died several weeks after the warranty ran out. It’s like they designed it to break that way! They just want us to buy more stuff i guess… Grrrr I guess ill just let out my anger on vent!
-andy

yuri s.
August 7, 2011 at 10:19 am

I am looking for a web site where the Brand new generation kitchen machine was introduced, replaces your whole line of appliances ?
the price is 3 Payms. of $40,- does everything : microwaves, steams, kooks, broils fries, u name it !!!

Superb blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? Im planning trrymll to start my own blog soon but Im a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that Im totally overwhelmed .. Any tips? Cheers!

The design and the layout of your blog is too good. Its very interesting and informative.

amy
October 10, 2011 at 8:40 pm

i order that ninja blender thinking the jard were crystal and it were plastic, not only that the motor were burn, and the red button power keep flashing red, no matter what, what a crap, them they want it to give me a 5o% discount, no way that crap does not value 50 cent, i ask for my refund back, the box were open presviusly like it were used before totaly a disaster, the blades were dirty, the plastic jard too, very dissapointed.

karen
October 13, 2011 at 2:28 pm

I love my ninja……only problem im having I guess ive used it so much …im having trouble with it, the blade isnt fitting in right anymore.any ideas what I should do??

joan
October 25, 2011 at 5:19 pm

I love this site, still have the 1st. ninja at home and at work the one at work still gets a big work out and still works great no striped gears. LOVE THE NINJA

Hi there, You’ve done an excellent job. I?ll definitely digg it and for my part recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this website.

Tonya Tipton
November 6, 2011 at 4:53 pm

Well I Ordered The Ninja 1100 Kitchen System And It Comes With The Ninja Master Prep And It Should Be Here Tuesday. I’ve Read So Many Good Reviews On The Ninja That I Had To Give It A Try. I Don’t Know Of Any Other Blender That Turns Ice Into Snow. My Hamilton Beach Blender Is Some Crap. I Know I Will Be Using My Ninja Daily.

Alice Gilbert
November 30, 2011 at 8:55 am

I can’t find “how to use the Ninja” All I see is how to purchase one. I want to know about chopping and juicing, etc. Specifically, does one need to peel oranges, apples, etc? According to pictures on TV they just throw the fruit, veggies in like they are!! Your instructions don’t tell any of that!

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Michael Dowling
December 25, 2011 at 3:05 pm

I bought my Ninja yesterday,and just used it for the first time this morning.I am sorry to say,for smoothies at least, it doesn’t hold a candle to my Vita-mix.The same smoothie ingredients I use in my Vita-mix came out very coarse,even after extended blending.I got the Ninja because blenders like Vita-mix often require the use of the plunger to jam food down into the blades,and the Ninja design,with stacked blades,seemed to me to be a better design.My Vita-mix completely purees dry quick oats and flax seed,which I add to my smoothies,whereas the Ninja doesn’t.I am really surprised at this outcome,as I am a member of Consumer Reports,and they gave the Ninja top points for chopping ice and making smoothies,as well as chopping.I also chopped some cabbage for a coleslaw recipe I found online.It did a pretty good job,but left some pieces about an inch across-maybe I should have cut the cabbage up into smaller pieces.It did a decent job on a tomato.I may take it back,as I also have an ancient Cuisinart that does a superb job chopping meat for meatloaves.If the Ninja does a good job chopping meat,I will probably keep it,as it would be a lot less hassle to clean than the Cuisinart.

getitright
December 26, 2011 at 12:04 am

Us Vita Mix owners won’t be giving them up for our Ninjas but the Ninja does have its good points and chopping meat is one of them.

Richard
December 26, 2011 at 1:06 am

Vita Mix versus Ninja?

The Ninja makes wonderful smoothies. If I want to add something like powdered oats, I make them in my coffee grinder. Works great. The coffee grinder cost me about $12. The Ninja, which makes the best smoothies out of just about anything frozen cost about $25.

How much does a Vita Mix cost? In my house the Vita Mix simply doesn’t work at all. The price is too absurd to consider.

If someone steals my Ninja, I WILL buy another. Vita Mix? NO WAY!

Michael Dowling
December 26, 2011 at 11:23 am

For 871 Richard: Okay,Vita-mix costs an arm and a leg,but it will be the last blender you will buy in your lifetime.I forgot to say I also use whole flax seeds in my smoothies,and after blending,you can’t feel any particles.Using a coffee grinder on your oats sort of defeats the purpose of using the Ninja in the first place-you dirty two appliances for one job.
Can the Ninja make and heat soup in one container? The Vita-mix can!

Michael Dowling
December 26, 2011 at 12:38 pm

For Richard 871: I want to be fair here.What ingredients do you put in your Ninja,and how do you process them? Thanks,and happy holidays!

Michael Dowling
December 27, 2011 at 1:14 pm

This is to advise I am returning my Ninja for store credit.I made a smoothie this morning,using mixed frozen berries,an apple,banana and rice milk.After thorough blending,there was still a very noticeable graininess about the drink,probably because the seeds of the strawberries weren’t pureed.Rather than throw out several dollars worth of ingredients,I finished the job in my Vitamix.BTW,I also threw raw oats and flax seed into the Vitamix.

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Bonnie from BiteoftheBest.com
January 12, 2012 at 4:37 pm

Thanks to all for your valuable input — it’s been so appreciated. THIS POST IS NOW CLOSED FOR COMMENTS.

Bonnie from BiteoftheBest.com
June 21, 2012 at 7:39 am

Upon requests from the community, we’ve decided to re-open the comments section for the Ninja — have any of you tried the newer version? Which do you like better? We’d love to hear your thoughts on that.

colleen
June 21, 2012 at 10:46 am

I haven’t seen the new one — is it as cheap and good?

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elaine
July 30, 2012 at 8:09 am

I received a Ninja chopper/blender for Christmas 2011. I absoutely love it. I use it for everything. chopping, pimento and cheese, chicken salad etc. I now have a problem with the small container. I was dicing carrots and it started smoking. After I cut it off. the blade was stuck inside the cover. I can no longer use the small container for blending or chopping. In removing the blade, the area where the blade fits, came off. (it looked like the plastic where the gear fits melted. Can you advise?
Thank you

elaine
August 6, 2012 at 8:56 am

I asked for advice on July 30th and have not received a reply. Need help

Alison
August 6, 2012 at 9:06 am

Try one of these numbers for assistance:
800-798-7398.
800.798-7395
800-361-4639.

elaine
August 6, 2012 at 11:29 am

thank you

Daniel G
August 13, 2012 at 4:26 pm

Buyer beware! If not very careful when you use this, the power head and blade spindles can break easily. When my wife used the 16-oz chopper, she did not seat the splash guard completely into the bowl. When she hit the pulse button on the power head, she heard a strange noise and the blade stopped turning. When I looked at it, I could see that the blade spindle had only extended about a quarter inch into the plastic chuck on the power head, and both spindle and chuck were ruined. I figured I could just order the replacement parts, and we’d be good to go, but the cheap (and easily replaceable) plastic chuck was not available separately; I would have to buy a new power head for $35 plus S&H. What a waste.

Daniel G
August 13, 2012 at 4:37 pm

Scrolling up, I see others have had a similar problem. If a critical plastic part is so vulnerable, why don’t they sell a replacement? It’s not because you can’t easily get to the part to remove and replace it.

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